TENS of thousands of our nation’s heroes, both serving soldiers and veterans, are having to rely on benefits just to make ends meet, figures show.
There were 4,000 active service members and 52,000 veterans relying on Universal Credit, as of of July 2023
GettyGeneral view of the veteran parade during the National Service of Remembrance at The Cenotaph on November 12, 2023 in London[/caption]
But Labour says the figures might just be the tip of the iceberg, as they cover only 66% of the actual number affected.
The stats also mark a stark increase from July 2022, when 3,000 serving personnel and 38,600 veterans reported as in receipt of Universal Credit.
The data was revealed in answers to a written parliamentary questions submitted by the Opposition.
Based on the understanding the current figures only represent two thirds of the total affected group, Labour says up to 80,000 veterans and 6,000 service personnel could be reliant on the welfare system.
Shadow Veterans Minister Steve McCabe said: “Labour is deeply proud of our Armed Forces personnel, veterans and their families. Those prepared to make such enormous contributions to our country’s safety and security should not have to rely on benefits or charitable support to get by.
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“After 13 years of Conservative failure, ministers have created a postcode lottery for veterans, halved employment support and repeatedly failed to roll out for veterans ID cards. Up to 80,000 veterans are now relying on universal credit just to get by during a cost-of-living crisis.
“In Government, Labour will fully incorporate the Armed Forces Covenant into law, fulfilling the moral contract our society makes with those who serve.”
A Government spokesman said ministers are committed in “helping veterans successfully transition from serving personnel to civilian life”.
The spokesman added: “Veteran employment is higher than ever before, with 87% employed within six months of leaving service and we are improving training, qualification and skills for veterans.
“For serving personnel we have introduced support that includes the biggest pay increase in 20 years, freezing daily food costs, providing generous accommodation subsidies and saving families up to £3,400 per child per year by extending wraparound childcare.”
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